Valentina "Valli" Henkelmann (nee Derr)

October 12, 1931 - May 30, 2019
On May 30, 2019 knitting circles all over must have felt a sense of loss as Valentina (Valli) Henkelmann dropped a stitch and passed from this world. Our loss was due to complications from congestive heart failure. We are left with our memories of a wonderful woman, wife, friend and loving mother. Life can throw some pretty big obstacles at you but few could surpass the Second World War which saw Valentina, her parents, Heinrich and Blandina, brother, Tony, forced to flee Minsk, Russia. They eventually settled in Germany. In 1953 Valentina married Otto Henkelmann and in 1955 they departed Germany for Canada where opportunities awaited. In Canada time and time again Valli would demonstrate her innate intelligence and an ability to teach yourself new things. This was evident in learning English, teaching herself to knit, crochet and sew, as well as creating patterns and new ways of doing things. A quick wit and great sense of humor made Valli a pleasure to spend time with, as long as it was not during Jeopardy or Judge Judy.
Sadly Valentina was predeceased by her husband Otto, daughter Karin, brothers, Tony and Heinrich. Left behind to remember her are her son Kevin, daughters Elsa (Terry) Kopp and Anne (Anuschka) de Moissac (Don); granddaughters Jennifer Kopp (Tyson Van Meter), Sarah Kopp (Alex de Bie) and great-granddaughter, Olivia Van Meter; her brother Josef, sister Karolina, sister-in-law Gerlinde from Germany,sister-in-law Bev Millar-Derr from Vernon as well as many nieces and nephews. Her catsTiki and Pinky will miss her dearly.
Valentina's family extends their sincere heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lemiski for years of excellent care. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the B.C. Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9M9 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1589 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 5Y7.
A Celebration Of Valentina's Life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Bethel Funeral Chapel, 5605-27 Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5. 250-542-1187


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